Fostering healthier built environments through direct funding: Lessons learned from Los Angeles County

Nearly two-thirds of adults in Los Angeles County are overweight or obese. Evidence suggests that physical activity can help people manage their health risks, and modifying the built environment can help increase physical activity through walking and bicycling trips. However, only 1% of local transportation funding is dedicated to active transportation projects.

In 2008, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) began funding the development of active transportation plans (bicycle, pedestrian, safe routes to school), focused on providing funding to high-need jurisdictions. These plans are community-driven, and provide local jurisdictions with a guide to which facilities are needed and where to support bicycling and walking. The plans have also often been a requirement to garner federal, state and local funding for implementation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Nine jurisdictions leveraged DPH’s total initial investment of $1.44 million in developing plans to garner nearly $22 million in grant funds to implement their adopted active transportation plans.  Post surveys with city staff indicate an increased willingness and readiness of partner jurisdictions to implement active transportation projects and continue to work with DPH.

Investing in planning has led to an increase in implementation of active transportation facilities. DPH’s role as a funder has increased its ability to engage with local jurisdictions, the transportation authority, and metropolitan planning organization; DPH is now recognized as a key stakeholder. This has led to an increase in partnerships for not only transportation projects, but also housing, air quality, and food access.